Guilty or not, Jameson Williams is a distraction the Lions can’t afford.

For the second time in a week, Jameson Williams is in the news for the wrong reasons. Williams was suspended by the NFL for two games for taking a banned substance, which has not yet been disclosed, but Lions the wide receiver apologized to fans and the team. That’s what we thought.

A report emerged Tuesday alleging that Williams was a passenger in a car (driven by his brother) that was stopped for a routine speed check just two weeks before his suspension. During a speed check, officers found multiple firearms. One of the firearms was registered to his brother and the other belonged to Williams, although he did not have a concealed pistol license. A warrant has since been issued for a charge of carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle.

During the stop, Williams told police he was a Lions player and was briefly placed in the back seat of a police car. However, he was released even without being brought to justice. The arresting officer reportedly called senior officials several times before asking his lieutenant the question. Williams was then uncuffed and released.

“I believe there was probable cause for an arrest and he was arrested by a trooper,” Detroit Police Chief Michael McGinnis told WXYZ-TV. “And because of that, he should have been taken to the Detroit Detention Center and processed.”

Williams spoke with the Lions about the situation, and they also released a statement to WXYZ.

“Jameson immediately informed us that he was a passenger at a routine stop on October 8th. We have discussed the incident with him and have kept the league informed of what we know. We understand that he was released without incident or charges. It is our understanding that the Detroit Police Department is reviewing this matter again and we will not comment further out of respect for the legal process,” the statement said.

Look, I don’t know if anything will come of this incident. The police investigation is still ongoing and Williams is unlikely to receive anything more than a slap on the wrist. However, as talented as the third-year wide receiver from Alabama is, when he takes the field, he also turns into big distraction from this.

Williams was not only suspended twice, but now he’s doing…unwise decisions away from the command facility. Williams was suspended for gambling in 2023, just a few weeks ago he was taking illegal substances, and now this?

Detroit’s passing game relies heavily on Williams’ vertical threat when he’s on the field. The defense is already missing Aidan Hutchinson, so they will have to outperform other NFC opponents. These incidents, many of which could have been avoided, are starting to pile up—and the league office is watching.